Why I paint American Indians

I recently was asked this question and thought you may be wondering the same:

"I'm not going to ask the usual questions, about photos, models ect. But why Indians?"

Good question "Why Indians?" I think it's because of where and when I was raised.

I grew up in Oklahoma, Land of the Red man. I lived there most of my life until I moved to New Mexico. So American Indians are familiar to me.

I also grew up when television was dominated by Cowboys and Indians. American Indians are nostalgic for me.

I'm also of Cherokee heritage so American Indians are family to me. 

A Time Ago - American Indian Portrait

A Time Ago is 18" x 24" oil on canvas
This painting is available at Red Willow gallery in Tubac, AZ

SOLD

Spirit of the Night - American Indian Portrait

I've been adding posts to my blog as Icomplete new paintings. I've decided to revisit some of my older work and share them here.
Spirit of the Night was completed in 2000. It is 40" x 30" oil on canvas. The shield represents Heaven and Earth

SOLD

A Woman of Wisdom – American Indian

A Woman of Wisdom is oil on canvas, 18" x 24".
The painting shows an American Indian woman wrapped in a robe and wearing an eagle feather in her hair. She stands looking out at the rising sun.

SOLD

Sees the Clear Sky - American Indian

Sees the Clear Sky is oil on canvas, 30 x 36. The Plains Indian is wearing a painted shirt and a black robe. He has eagle feathers in his hair. The back ground is a painted skin showing a horse raid

SOLD

Cowboys and Indians magazine - Dec 2009

I'm a bit late in announcing this but better late than never. 

I hope you got the chance to see the Dec issue of Cowboys and Indians magazine. They had a nice article about me on page 74.

It wasn't exactly accurate. I have NOT gotten bored with painting American Indians and I continue painting them.

Click on the image above to read the article

The Delegate - American indian

The Delegate is 36" x 36", oil on linen.

This painting is a continuation of my 'Top Hat" series. In the 1880's The Powers That Be in the United States Government would invite American Indian leaders to Washington. There they were given gifts such as clothing, flags, hats etc. The recipient would then use these items as they saw fit. This hat is decorated with parts of a flag, an emblem from a helmet, ribbons and feathers

Holiday Miniature Show - Gallery 822

Kachina, 8" x 10"

Take a trip to Santa Fe Thanksgiving weekend and stop by Gallery 822 on Canyon Road. Small works by the galleries 13 artists will be available for purchase.The artists will be in attendance Saturday, Nov 28 3-5 pm. Yes, I will be there, too!

My painting Kachina will be available. It is 8"x10", oil on board

Bear Shield Talisman - Oil painting

Bear Shield Talisman is oil on canvas, 12" x 9".

The PlainsIndians would have personal talismans that they could wear as hair ornaments, clothing adornments or hang from their shields, horses, doorways etc.

This painting shows a beaded crystal attached to a shield painted with an image of a bear.

Best of Show - Heart of the West

I am pleased to announce that I won the Best of Show award at the Heart of the West Invitational Art Show and Sale in Lander, WY. 40 western artists from throughout the U.S. are invited to this show & sale.

The winning painting is Summer Lightening, oil on canvas, 20" x 30"

American Art Collector - Nov 2009

Here's an article about me in the current , Nov 2009 issue of American Art Collector magazine. If you click on the image it should be large enough to read

UPDATE: Here's a pdf of this article Courtesy of American Art Collector magazine.

K. Henderson's art in Gilcrease Museum American Art in Miniature

American Art in Miniature is an annual tradition at Gilcrease Museum. This year’s exhibition runs October 24 – November 8, 2009. To purchase a piece of art, plan to attend the American Art in Miniature Reception and Art Sale, Thursday, November 5, 2009. The Silent Auction begins at 6:00 p.m. and closes at 7:30 p.m.

American Art in Miniature 2009 offers work from 180 talented artists from across the nation. All works of art are no larger than 108 square inches (example: 9 x 12) exclusive of the frame. Sculptures are no larger than 1,728 cubic inches (example: 12 x 12 x 12) exclusive of base. 

Click Here to begin browsing the Art Gallery.

New this year is a Phone Bank for those unable to attend the sale but who would like to make a purchase. Starting at 6:00 p.m. November 5th call (918) 596-2761 to place a bid or BUY IT NOW. 

The online purchase price reflects the Reserve Price set by the artist. Artworks not sold on November 5, 2009, will be available online at the Reserve Price through November 15, 2009, and may be purchased by calling the Museum Store at (918) 596-2725 during business hours (10 a.m. – 5 p.m. CDT, Tuesday – Sunday.)

All works are subject to availability. The sale closes November 15, 2009 at 5 p.m. CDT.

Heart of the West Invitational Art Show - Lander ,WY

If you are in Lander ,Wy Oct 17 stop by the Heart of the West Invitational Art Show & Sale. I'll have 2 paintings in the show